-Dexter Sports
2:04 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

There is a lot to like about the 2008 High School Player of the Year. He has shown power, quick hands in the infield, and a great knack for the game. He also became one of the top pitching prospects in the game in his senior season.

No, It's not number one pick Tim Beckham, or First Baseman Eric Hosmer. And if you guessed Kyle Skipworth, Anthony Hewitt or Casey Kelly you would also be wrong. For Ethan Martin, playing the game comes quite easy. Whether it be at third base, or his newfound home, the pitching mound.

Originally, I felt that Martin was best suited as an Infielder first, with the though of entertaining pitching every fifth day. Possibly, I felt, a team like the Tigers at pick 21 would be willing to take a chance on. But the Dodgers gave him a home at pick number five teen. And there was no doubt about it. Martin was drafted to be a pitcher for the Dodgers.

For Me, it was a bit surprising to hear that was the Dodgers' plan. Until I read about the moment that Ethan Martin became a pitching prospect.

At the LaGrange Invitational, where Martin's Stephens County High School team competed against some of the best teams in the nation. Martin was about to toe the rubber against, the eventual Number one ranked American Heritage High School. At that point, he was considered a two way prospect. Someone who took the mound, but was best suited in the field and as a hitter. Against American Heritage, Martin set up top prospect Eric Hosmer on two straight fastballs in the mid 90's. Then he sat him down with a slurve. It didn't end there. Martin continued to strike out Adrian Nieto. Martin struck out the side, and 11 total hitters that game. It was one of the only two losses for the American Heritage club.

Overall, Martin went 10-2 in 15 appearances with two saves and 162 strikeouts. And at the Dish, he hit .509 with 18 dingers and 62% of his hits being of the extra base variety.

After signing, It seems clear that Martin will take the mound to hone his skills. Even though the Dodgers announced at the draft as a third baseman, they have made known he is a pitcher in their future. I think that is the best move. It will be interesting to see how Mr. Martin develops. Don't worry, we will keep you updated.

-Dexter Sports
9:05 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

For these brothers, it's been quite a ride. One was coveted as the best prospect in the 2008 draft, and looks to be the future shortstop for the Tampa Rays after four years of high school. For the other, after three years at Georgia Southern, and being drafted in the 17th round by the same team, an older brother is just trying to prove himself as a major league caliber talent.

For now, both Jeremy and Tim Beckham are more than just teammates, they are a double play tandem, and a force up the middle. And Jeremy has been a bit of a surprise, hitting .279 with a .404 on base percentage. And though he is struggling just a bit, his defense has been strong. He has been able to make great pivot moves to turn the double play. A pleasant surprise I would say.

For Tim, it has been a bit of a transition, that seems to be on the upswing. in 16 games, he is hitting a measly .203 with only one double and 3 RBIs, but his swing is coming around. From what I read, it seems that he is finally settling in to professional pitching. Having his brother there with him will be a bit of a comfort, and I can only see things getting better for him.

Other Prospect Notes:

• So it wasn't a Josh Hamilton performance, but it was close. Check out this video from the eastern league home run derby. Mr. Travis Snider of the Blue Jays absolutely killed the ball. So, him and David Cooper in the lineup by 2009? I wouldn't completely think it was impossible.
  

• The Baseball America Prospects Blog takes a look at the bad luck of USA Baseball.

• Twins Supplementary Round Pick, Shooter Hunt has been pretty impressive in the Appalachian League . He gave up his first runs of his professional career in his 3rd start. Originally I thought Hunt would be picked in the 10-15 area of the draft.
  

-Dexter Sports
7:21 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Good Morning, I thought there wouldn't be a better way to start our Friday than by looking at yesterday's transaction between the Oakland Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies. Let's get started with Oakland's side of the Deal.

Who They Got:

Adrian Cardenas, 2b (Phillies #2 Prospect in their system) - Cardenas is a fine young left handed hitter that Billy Beane can add to the recent stockpile of middle infield depth in his system. Cardenas was the 2006 high school player of the year and since then has moved from shortstop to second base. I wouldn't be surprised to see Beane move him there over the long term. One thing Cardenas will need to work on is his ability to get on base. Billy Beane and the system demand the ability to walk and take pitches, which isn't a strong suit of this lefty bat with great loft power to the gaps. Defensively he might be a step behind at short, and lack the footwork at second, but don't be surprised to see the organization whip him into shape. Honestly, this is great value for a pitcher like Blanton, at least in my opinion. Cardenas is hittin .309 with 16 SBs in HiA Clearwater.

Josh Outman, SP (Phillies #4 Prospect in their System) - Outman struggled in a promotion to double A Reading last season, but since then has responded. In 70 innings of work, the Lefty has only given up 25 earned runs but he has walked more than that amount, allowing 37 baserunners via the walk. For Outman his number one weapon is his deception. Whether it is his 90-94 MPH fastball, his changeup or his slider, Outman relies on setting up his pitches and working counts. Outman to me, seems like the perfect replacement for a Joe Blanton type in the future. A guy that can go a good amount of innings, wear down hitters, and keep his offense in the ballgame. Yet again, another steal by Billy Beane. You got to love what this guy is doing in Oakland.

Matt Spencer, OF - Spencer, who was drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft out of Arizona State, has struggled to find his way in single A ball so far in his young professional career. Hitting just .249 with 66 strikeouts in 84 games. Many think that Spencer could be moved to the bullpen as a reliever, which he did well with in college. I say it is too early to give up on this kid, and we could see him stay in the outfield for at least one more season. not a bad "talent" to throw in the deal as a throw away prospect.

Who They Got:

Joe Blanton, SP - So what his ERA has been in the sixes his last 9 starts, or that he has given up more hits than innings pitched. For some reason, the Phillies feel that Blanton will be the answer to beating the Mets in the NL East. Well, I'm sorry Mr. Gillick, I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. I know his job is just to be a "workhorse" but to be honest, his numbers arent much better than Brett Myers. In fact, Meyers has a better K/9 ratio, and hitters are pulling the same average of .284 when he is on the mound. Ok, Ok those optimistic, you got me, it's not all about the numbers. Well let me tell you something, History tells me that Blanton is prone to giving up more than a hit per innings pitched in his career. So, why not go for the Burnett and Byrds of the world? I mean come on, at least they have control of their own destiny. All of that for a rental pitcher. It would of been a better option to bring back Freddy Garcia. All I can Say is ouch, and welcome back New York.

-Dexter Sports
12:01 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Well, It has been a busy night around baseball. First and Foremost, Billy Beane is at it again. The Phillies have acquired Joe Blanton for three minor leaguers. No, The Phillies didn't give up Carlos Carrasco, but they did give up talented infielder Adrian Cardenas, whom i think will ultimately be in Oakland's top ten prospect list.

I think this is a bad deal for the Phillies, I mean Joe Blanton, come on. His ERA is in the sixes the last 5 or so starts, and all he can do is eat innings. To me, this deal is like trading for Carlos Silva. As much as Beane loves Joe Blanton (read Moneyball people) this deal will turn out to be good for him. I will have a better update of the prospects in the deal tomorrow for you.

And in other news on the night, the Yankees made a great move in my opinion, signing Richie Sexson to a deal today, after he was released by the Mariners. Sexson can at least still hit lefties and if he can find his stroke, this will spark the offense immensely. No harm, no foul also in this situation. I wonder if he will play some outfield as well, I really doubt it though. It would be exciting to see if the Yanks can get back into the hunt.

Dexter Sports
9:24 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Coming up on the Dexter-Sports Calender:

• The Podcast Series of "Who is Number One" will continue up next with the AL Central. We will also take a look at other prospect updates from around the league. If you have questions about prospects or from the 2008 draft, feel free to Email Me, and I will gladly answer them in the next podcast.

• We will take a close look at New Dodger Ethan Martin, and discuss whether making him a pitcher is the best option for the Dodgers organization.

• I will work on updating our "Available at the Deadline" posts from a few months ago.

• All the Deadline action, plus a look at improving prospects after the first half of baseball.

• Yup, You guessed it, I'll make some second half predictions.
  

So look forward to these things coming up in the future, Again if you want to see anything else, let me know via email or the comment section, and I'll gladly work on it for you.

-Dexter Sports
2:43 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Lets take a look at this really talented Infield for the U.S. National Team.

First Base:

Mike Hessman, 1B Detroit Tigers - Holy Cow, what a good choice by the national team. Hessman will be a great source of power in the middle of the order and protect guys such as Colby Rasmus and Dexter Fowler in the order. Hessman has already clobbered 30 HRs in the International league and drove in 63. You cannot have a better situation at first base. His defense is a bit shady, but it could be worse. He has worked a lot on his defensive game this season at AAA Toledo.

Second Base/Shortstop:

Jason Donald, SS Philadelphia Philies - Donald looked really good defensively in the futures game, and has been a target of the U.S. team for quite some time. It is not clear if he will play second or short, but he will get a lot of playing time I would imagine. Donald is hitting .301 with 12 dingers for AA Reading.

Brian Barden, IF St. Louis Cardinals - Barden has played shortstop at the major league level, but Davey Johnson could play Barden all over the Infield and that is what is so intriguing. Sure, Barden isn't a Derek Jeter or Jimmy Rollins, but he is a real spark plug that could help the offense generate against the great pitching of the international competition.

Third Base:

Terry Tiffee, 3B Los Angeles Dodgers - Tiffee has had a spectacular season in AAA Las Vegas and even got the call to the majors when Andruw Jones originally went down to injury. The most important thing that Tiffee will bring to this roster is his veteran leadership. It will be important for him to lead by example when he is out on the field.

Matt Brown, 3b Los Angeles Angels - Blocked by Chone Figgins and Brandon Wood, Brown has never really gotten his chance to shine at the major league level. But at this stage, his bat could be a huge force in the middle of the order. With 20 homers and 62 RBIs already on the season, it is evident that Brown will take most of the playing time at third base. I imagine him batting 5th behind Matt LaPorta and Mike Hessman.

Catchers:

Lou Marson, C Philadelphia Phillies - Marson struggled to start his professional career, but as of late has really shined both offensively and as a defensive leader on the field. For AA reading Marson is hitting .321 with 4 homers and 45 RBIs respectively. What got Marson on the National team was his play at the futures game. Manager Davey Johnson was impressed with his play calling and connection to young pitchers, because management wasn't even relaying signs to the catcher or pitcher. Look for Marson to take most of the playing time at catcher.

Taylor Teagarden, C Texas Rangers - What helps Teagarden stick out compared to other catchers is his defensive ability. As we saw in the futures game, Teagarden has the ability to throw out hitters off of a breaking ball in any count. He is very smart behind the plate, and that could become effective coming down the stretch. His offense could use a bit of help, but it will be a great addition to this defense when he plays.

Outfielders:

Matt LaPorta, OF Cleveland Indians - Well, if your traded for C.C. Sabathia, you have to be pretty good right? LaPorta will be the savior of this team if his bat can continue to do what it has in the past. LaPorta has already went deep 21 times and he is a slugging machine. Don't be surprised if Davey Johnson plays LaPorta at first and Mike Hessman at third to get the array of great outfielders into the lineup for Team USA. Either way, Laporta will be hitting in the third or fourth spot in the order.

Dexter Fowler, OF Colorado Rockies - Fowler has the best range defensively of any player on this team and his bat is as solid as any of the five toolers for team USA. His 24 doubles and seven triples are key to the top of the order. it will be either him or Colby Rasmus leading it off for team USA. Either way would be a great option for the national team.

Colby Rasmus, OF St Louis Cardinals - Rasmus isn't your prototypical lead off hitter, because of his power, but could still be the option that Davey Johnson goes with. Rasmus had a horrible start of the season, but has picked it up as of late. I really like this addition to the order, It brings pop and consistency and he can play any outfield position.

John Gall, OF Florida Marlins - Gall is a veteran minor league that brings power, average and a decent glove to the team. Gall replaced Larry Walker in St. Louis for a while, but since then has been stuck in the minor leagues. So far he is hitting .321 with 11 Hrs and 71 RBIs. It will be interesting if his play sparks him back into the majors someday soon .

-Dexter Sports
11:36 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

The United States announced it's roster yesterday. With a tough schedule ahead of them, Davy Johnson and company picked a pretty balanced roster, mixed with vets and young prospects. Lets break down the roster by position. First it will be Pitchers

Starting Pitchers:

Brett Anderson, SP Oakland Athletics - Anderson comes in with 95 strikeouts in 85 innings and what seems to be good control on the mound. He isn't going to blow pitches past hitters, his fastball sits around 90 MPH, but with two breaking balls, and a plus changeup, Anderson easily fools hitters.

Trever Cahill, SP Oakland Athletics - Like Anderson, the A's took Cahill in the second round of the 2006 draft with a lot of hope he would be a top of the line starter. Also like Anderson, Cahill relies on his offspeed pitches, mainly his plus curve, to get hitters out. Cahill is holding hitters to a .167 average on the season, which is astonshing. Combined with that is his 10.14 K/9 ratio that is stunning. Cahill pitches very mature for his age, which will be very important for this national team.

Jake Arrieta, SP Balimore Orioles - Arrieta did not pitch in 07, but jumped right to Double A Carolina in 2008, and he has shined. With a 2/1 strikeout to walk ratio and six wins, the Orioles have been slightly surprised. Arrieta has also held hitters to a .195 average this season. If his changeup is working, it will be hard to hit Mr. Arrieta.

Clayton Richard, SP Chicago White Sox - Richard will be very important to the U.S. team because he is a type of pitcher that can simply kill innings and do it without giving up much offense. Richard wont strike out many, but he does surrender a lot of ground balls and holds hitters to a .206 average.

Jeff Strasburg, SP San Diego State - Strasburg has become the first collegiate player selected to the national team since 2000. Most likely the first pick in the draft in 2009, Strasburg shut down Taiwan and Japan with the college U.S. team earlier this season. I really like bringing in the young gun to balance out this staff. He could be the next Ben Sheets to this staff.

Bullpen:

Brandon Knight, RP New York Mets - Knight brings a great veteran presence for the U.S. team as well as a guy that could start if need be. Knight will most likely fill the Long relief duties for Davey Johnson. Knight has been a stopper for AAA New Orleans, maintaining a 1.89 ERA with 37 Ks in 31 innings pitched.

Blane Neal, RP Detroit Tigers - After signing under contract in a try out session with a million other "fans," Neal has proved that he still has something in the tank. The former major league reliever has pitched beautifully for the AAA Mudhens of the International league. Though Neal has 23 saves on the season, He most likely will not be the closer. Neal has 36 Ks in 32 innings of work. Neal will most likely be middle relief for the most part.

Mike Koplove, RP Los Angeles Dodgers - Koplove also brings major league experience to the table and even a championship in Arizona. Like Neal, Koplove will be used sparingly in middle relief, but his experience will help this very young team. Koplove has held hitters to a .209 average this season.

Geno Espinelli, RP San Fransisco Giants - Espinelli will be called upon to be the lefty specialist in the pen. For AAA Fresno, Espinelli has put together a great campaign that includes a 2.06 ERA in 42 IP. I doubt that Davey Johnson will use him for anything but the lefty, but we will see.

Kevin Jepsen, RP Los Angeles Angels - Jepsen has closer type material, but will most likely settle in as a good set up man for Casey Weathers. Jepson has 13 saves on the season in split time between double and triple A. Davey Johnson will have to pick his spots well when using Jepsen though. He does get wild at times and can walk two or three batters at a time.

Jeff Stevens, RP Cleveland Indians - Stevens will be a great reliever to come in when the U.S. is in a jam. Stevens has a 12.19 K/9 ratio and has been known to step it up a notch with runners in scoring position. Stevens has held batters to a .136 average in those situations.

Casey Weathers, RP Colorado Rockies - IF you didn't see what he can do at the Futures game, then this should be able to describe it. 100 MPH. Davey Johnson will be hoping that Weathers will be mature enough on the mound to hold the closers role down. I really like Weathers in this position and I think he will step up and his prospect status will continue to sky rocket.

We will take a look at the hitters next.